The Sligo Rovers full-back is “buzzing” after the Bit O’Red’s historic 2-1 win away to Norwegian giants Rosenborg on Thursday.

They are in a great position to progress in the Europa League, as are St Pat’s in the Champions League.

All four League of Ireland teams crashed out at the first hurdle in Europe a year ago but this season’s adventure keeps on giving.

Sligo, Dundalk and Derry City all sauntered through their first round ties in the Europa League and the Candystripes set the biggest ever aggregate win of any League of Ireland team when seeing off Aberystwyth Town 9-0.

Granted, they have it all to do now against Shakhtyor Soligorsk of Belarus after losing 1-0 at home, while Dundalk are 2-0 down to Croatia’s Hajduk Split.

But Keane believes the upturn in Euro results this year means Irish clubs deserve respect on the continent.

A scorer in the win over Rosenborg, Keane told Mirror Sport yesterday: “Suddenly there’s a lot of notice being taken. It’s funny to hear some say all we’ve beaten in the first round are poor teams as I’ve never heard of anyone having an easy game in Europe.

“You can only beat what’s in front of you. Summer football has certainly helped our clubs as you’re often a step ahead of your opponent.

“The results have been great and I don’t think people will be taking the League of Ireland for granted any more. They will look at Irish football and realise it’s not as bad as some like to make it out. Just look at the players, some are good enough to be playing in the Championship or even the Premier League.”

Keane’s goal in Trondheim was his second European goal in as many games and the third of his career.

Sligo’s other goal hero Danny North was also scoring in the second European game on the spin having hit the net against FK Banga.

Keane said: “It’s an all-round team performance and it doesn’t matter who gets the goals but I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t chuffed!

“All I’ve heard up to now was stuff about my own goal against the Albanian team Vllaznia a few years ago so it’s great!

“To score any European goal is memorable but particularly against such a big club as Rosenborg. I’m buzzing. They’re a team with a lot of European pedigree and have played in the Champions League group stages.

“It was an unbelievable result but it’s only half-time and Thursday’s game in the Showgrounds is massive.”